Born in Waterloo, Iowa, and raised in Norfolk, Nebraska, Brook Kaufman has classic Midwestern roots. Relying on her strong sense of community and work ethic, she transitioned from marketing into executive roles at tourism organizations, including Visit Casper, Wyoming, and Visit Rapid City, South Dakota, where she led major brand initiatives and strategic development efforts.
From the Great Plains, she came to the Coastal Bend of Texas, where in May 2025 she assumed her new role as CEO of Visit Corpus Christi. Kaufman shares the highlights of her career journey in this Q&A with Meetings Today Senior Contributor Jeff Heilman.
What were your early career goals and ambitions, and what influenced your full-time shift into destination marketing a decade ago?
In fifth grade, I wanted to be a chiropractor. That was until a high-energy marketing teacher in high school opened my eyes to business and branding. After nearly a decade in marketing across various sectors, I made the leap into destination marketing. It just made sense to shift from selling products to selling places that people could fall in love with.
What brought you to Wyoming and then South Dakota?
Both were career growth opportunities. Following an earlier role as director at the Norfolk Area Visitors Bureau in Nebraska, I founded a marketing consulting company in Denver. From there, I was recruited to serve as CEO of Visit Casper before joining Visit Rapid City. Each move was about taking on bigger leadership challenges and building stronger destinations.
How did the Corpus Christi opportunity arise and what sold you on the destination?
A longtime friend—and respected recruiter in the tourism industry—reached out with the opportunity. I saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to lead a smart, ambitious team and to help shape the visitor economy of a vibrant coastal destination.
What were your first 100-day priorities, how are those going, and what is your larger strategic vision and purpose for Corpus Christi, including the group market?
I inherited a strong foundation, which gave me space to listen, evaluate and build relationships. In those first 100 days, I focused on team dynamics, streamlining internal processes and removing barriers to success. We are now investing more deeply in convention sales, sports infrastructure and a fully resourced film commission. The bigger picture? Less activity, more impact—outcomes over optics.
The Texas Coastal Bend is quite the geographic and cultural shift from the Great Plains region. What are you discovering and what do you like most about your new home?
Living in Corpus Christi means sunshine, salt air and soul. From peaceful beaches to outdoor adventures, what makes it truly special is the culture, the people and a deep sense of belonging. It already feels like home.
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